Is the Gozo hop-on hop-off worth it?

Yes, if you are doing Gozo as a day trip from Malta and do not want to navigate independently. The HOHO covers all of Gozo's main attractions with frequent stops and open-top views. The integrated ferry + HOHO day pass is the most hassle-free way to do Gozo in one day. For those staying on Gozo, renting a car or e-bike is more flexible.

Gozo hop-on hop-off bus 2026: day pass, ferry, what's covered

Why a hop-on hop-off makes sense specifically for Gozo

Gozo differs from Malta’s main island in one important respect for sightseeing purposes: the public bus system on Gozo is more limited than on Malta. The Tallinja network covers Gozo, but route frequency is lower, and the off-the-beaten-track highlights (Dwejra Bay, the Inland Sea, Xwejni salt pans) are harder to reach by public bus without significant waiting times.

This makes Gozo one of the cases where a hop-on hop-off bus genuinely delivers better value than pure public transport. The HOHO on Gozo covers the same route as the jeep safari and the e-bike tour, but in the passive narrated-bus format — faster than e-biking, more independent than the jeep.

The Gozo HOHO bus: what it covers

The Gozo City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus runs a circular route around the island covering all major sightseeing points. The full loop takes approximately 2-2.5 hours without stopping; with strategic hop-offs it can fill a 6-7 hour day.

Gozo: City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour

Key stops on the Gozo HOHO route:

Victoria (Rabat Gozo) — the capital, Citadella access, main market area
Ġgantija temples — UNESCO megalithic site (entry not included, purchased separately)
Marsalforn — Gozo’s north coast resort
Xwejni salt pans — one of Gozo’s most photogenic spots
Gharb — inland village with pilgrimage church (Ta’ Pinu is accessible by short walk)
Dwejra — Inland Sea, Blue Hole (former Azure Window site)
Xlendi — bay and village on the south coast
Mġarr harbour — ferry port, starting/ending point for day-trippers

Ferry integration: the essential link

The Gozo HOHO’s main practical advantage for Malta-based visitors is the integrated ferry and bus ticket. Without this, getting to Gozo requires: bus to Cirkewwa from your Malta hotel, ticket purchase at the ferry terminal, crossing, and then a separate ticket for the Gozo bus. The integrated pass handles all of this in one booking.

Gozo sightseeing hop-on hop-off from Malta (includes ferry)

The integrated pass typically departs from Sliema or another Malta departure point, includes the ferry crossing, and gives you full access to the Gozo HOHO for the day.

Logistics note: the Cirkewwa ferry runs approximately every 45 minutes in peak season, every 1-2 hours in low season. The integrated pass coordinates your Malta and Gozo bus timing to connect with ferry departures. Confirm the specific departure time when booking.

The iSeeGozo and Gozo Heritage day passes

Beyond the standard HOHO bus, several day pass products combine the Gozo HOHO with additional benefits:

iSeeGozo Day Pass: includes the ferry crossing, the Gozo HOHO bus, and entry to multiple Gozo heritage sites (Ġgantija temples, the Citadella museums). The all-in-one format eliminates separate ticket purchases at each attraction.

iSeeGozo day pass with ferry and Gozo bus hop-on

Gozo Heritage Day Pass from Sliema: similar all-inclusive format with ferry and heritage site entries.

Gozo Heritage Day Pass from Sliema or Bugibba

St Paul’s Bay variant: the same pass is available from St Paul’s Bay for visitors based in the Bugibba/Qawra area.

Whether these passes save money versus buying individual tickets depends on which attractions you planned to visit. Run the numbers: Ġgantija entry + Citadella museums + ferry + HOHO bus, versus the pass price. If the sum of individual items exceeds the pass, the pass is worth it.

Prices in 2026

Product	Approx. price (2026)
Gozo HOHO bus only (on Gozo)	€12-16 per adult
Gozo HOHO from Malta with ferry	€22-28 per adult
iSeeGozo pass (ferry + HOHO + site entries)	€35-45 per adult
Heritage pass with HOHO	€30-40 per adult

Prices vary by season and operator. Check current rates at booking.

Honest schedule for a Gozo HOHO day from Malta

From Sliema or Bugibba:

Time	Activity
08:00	Depart Malta hotel by bus toward Cirkewwa
09:00	Ferry Cirkewwa → Mġarr (25 minutes)
09:30	Board Gozo HOHO at Mġarr
10:00	Hop off at Ġgantija temples (60 minutes, entry extra)
11:30	Reboard HOHO north → Victoria
12:00	Hop off in Victoria for lunch and Citadella (90 min)
13:30	Reboard HOHO west → Dwejra
14:00	Dwejra/Inland Sea (45 minutes)
15:00	Reboard HOHO south → Mġarr
16:00	Ferry back to Cirkewwa
17:00	Bus back to Malta hotel

This is a full and tiring Gozo day. Dropping the Dwejra stop makes it easier; dropping Ġgantija makes it very relaxed.

HOHO vs alternative Gozo day formats

Format	Best for	Cost (approx.)
Gozo HOHO with ferry pass	First-time day-trippers who want no navigation	€25-45
Gozo jeep safari	Active visitors wanting guided off-road	€90-110
E-bike guided tour	Fit visitors wanting to ride	€45-60
Self-drive rental car on Gozo	Independent visitors with driving experience	€40-50/day
Public bus (Tallinja) on Gozo	Budget-conscious, flexible timing	€2 per trip

The HOHO sits in a sensible middle position — more structured and narrated than public bus, more passive and affordable than the jeep safari. For first-timers to Gozo with one day to spend and no desire to navigate, it is genuinely the correct format.

High-speed catamaran option from Valletta

An alternative to the Cirkewwa ferry is the high-speed catamaran from Valletta directly to Gozo. This docks at a different Gozo port and is faster than the standard ferry.

The high-speed catamaran from Valletta to Gozo (approximately 45-60 minutes, docking at a different Gozo port) combined with the Gozo HOHO is a strong option for visitors based in Valletta who want to avoid the bus journey to Cirkewwa.

This product combines the catamaran crossing from Valletta with the Gozo HOHO — a strong option for visitors based in Valletta who want to avoid the bus journey to Cirkewwa. Duration of the catamaran crossing: approximately 45-60 minutes, faster than the bus+standard ferry combination from Valletta.

Frequently asked questions about the Gozo hop-on hop-off

Does the Gozo HOHO go to the Blue Lagoon?

No. The Blue Lagoon is on Comino, a separate island. The Gozo HOHO covers Gozo only. For the Blue Lagoon, you need a separate boat tour from Mġarr or from Malta. See the Blue Lagoon guide for options.

How long does the Gozo HOHO take to complete the full loop?

The full circuit without stopping takes 2-2.5 hours. With stops at Ġgantija, Victoria, Dwejra, and Xlendi, a full HOHO day is 5-7 hours on Gozo.

Is the Gozo HOHO suitable for children?

Yes. The open-top bus format is popular with children. The narrated commentary covers Malta’s history in an accessible way. Child tickets are available at reduced prices; young children typically free.

Can I use the Gozo HOHO independently without the Malta ferry package?

Yes. If you are already on Gozo (staying there, or arrived independently by ferry), you can buy just the Gozo HOHO ticket locally at the Mġarr bus stop or in Victoria.

Does the Gozo HOHO run in winter?

The standard HOHO service runs April-October. In winter (November-March), service is reduced and may operate on weekends only. Check current availability when planning a winter Gozo trip. Alternative: the Gozo public bus runs year-round.

Is there a combined Malta + Gozo HOHO pass?

Some products combine Malta HOHO access with the Gozo HOHO, effectively giving you both islands on one ticket. The combo Gozo Heritage Pass with ferry and hop-on covers both sides of the crossing.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20